Another tragedy has occurred at Sunset Cliffs. Friday morning, January 5th, a 56-year old surfer died after being rescued by lifeguards.

The unidentified surfer was surfing with a friend early in the morning, when he took off on a wave and wasn’t seen again – until he was found face-down in the ocean. This occurred near Point Loma Nazarene University.

When emergency crews found him, he was not breathing and they performed CPR during the ride in a lifeguard boat and up on the dock – but to avail. The County Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

The also unidentified friend of the victim said they were surfing in the dark, when the victim took off on a wave – and never came back. The friend found the guy’s board up on shore. This was around 6 am. The friend reported him missing – and soon thereafter lifeguards, firefighters, paramedics, police and the Coast Guard helicopters launched a large-scale search.

Finally, about 6:49, he was found between the breaking waves and the shore; was pulled into a lifeguard boat, and then rushed to Quivira Court headquarters, where CPR was continued on the dock, but then stopped about 7:30am.

This latest very tragic death at Sunset Cliffs is part of a long-string of deaths and serious injuries that have occurred over the years. In an updated chronicle of deaths and distress at the beautiful but dangerous cliffs, the OB Raghas determined over the last 13 years, there’s been an average of 5 deaths or serious injuries at Sunset Cliffs each year.

Keep in Touch!

Welcome to the OB Rag – Ocean Beach & Beyond

The OB Rag has been initiated to ply the Ocean Beach community and the San Diego scene with news and commentary from a distinctively progressive and grassroots perspective, and to provide a forum for those views. Others with similar views are invited to contribute and participate. More about us...

Support the OB Rag! Purchase old copies - 20% off Help keep the OB Rag online by donating to buy 30-35 year old issues of the original OB Rag, Ocean Beach's infamous and iconic counterculture, underground newspaper; limited numbers are available for purchase!